WHO renaming monkeypox virus after scientists voice concern that it is 'discriminatory and stigmatizing'

The World Health Organization announced Tuesday that it will rename the monkeypox virus, which has infected more than 1,600 people in 39 countries this year, after a group of scientists voiced concerns that the name could be stigmatizing. 

"WHO is also working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of monkeypox virus, its clades and the disease it causes," World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing on Tuesday. "We will make an announcement about the new names as soon as possible."